Review: Eye in the Sky

We have had two films in two weeks which show that there is still a great diversity of topics to be found on the big screen. Last week it was The Man Who Knew Infinityand this week it’s military thriller Eye in the Sky starring Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul and the late Alan Rickman. Here’s our review.

Eye in the Sky is a political thriller about Colonel Katherine Powell (Mirren) and her mission to capture high-level Al-Shabaab extremists. Early in the film, Powell is given the opportunity to not only capture several high-level targets, but possibly even eliminate them. What follows is an emotional journey unlike anything in recent memory. The first recommendation I have for you is go in blind. Do not watch a trailer, especially when most trailers these days are ruining a lot of films (we take a look at that problem here). The next recommendation, be ready to see a side to the military rarely explored in cinema. The idea that there is a legal council for every military decision is both fascinating and frightening. It takes the human element (casualties, injuries etc.) and turns it into numbers or “acceptable”collateral damage. Watching the back and forth between these characters as they discuss the political ramifications of casualties in a civilian environment if they engage with their enemies is disturbing. Couple this with outstanding performances from the entire cast and you have something genuine, and sadly all too real.

There are so many elements that work for Eye in the Sky. The acting is on point, in particular Mirren and Rickman who play wonderfully nuanced and well fleshed out characters. They are also joined by a talented supporting cast, which includes Aaron Paul and Barkhad Abdi. Their characters make life and death situations every day of their lives, and it shows as the stakes escalate. Eye in the Sky continually raises the tension stakes, as it plays with the idea that in the real world, anyone is capable of anything. Whether it be for the greater good through questionable methods, to simply being a decent human being even if your beliefs are difficult to understand. No one, save for one or two notable exceptions, is a true villain in Eye in the Sky and that is one of its greatest strengths.

With all that in mind be sure to head along to Eye in the Sky this weekend. It’s something different, it’s something deep and you won’t soon forget it.

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About The Author

Superman enthusiast, pop culture fan and film journalist. Creator of podcast Speakin' Geek and contributor to Scannain.com, iRadio and Spin 103.8. I love talking about anything and everything(except country music, I hate country music). My views are my own and I would love to discuss them with you.

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RAID 2018 is a gaming event, by gamers, for gamers. Offering BYOC LAN tournaments, video game concerts, talks from industry professionals and much more, we're banking on this being the best

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RAID 2018 is a gaming event, by gamers, for gamers. Offering BYOC LAN tournaments, video game concerts, talks from industry professionals and much more, we’re banking on this being the best gaming event in Ireland during 2018!